Bolts Reassign Ramo, Place Jokinen on Waivers

It's the tale of two Finns this holiday season, with one Finnish Bolt knowing where he'll spend Christmas, while another Finnish player is unsure of where his holiday celebrations will take place.

Tampa Bay Lightning Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced they have reassigned Bolt prospect goaltender Karri Ramo to the Norfolk Admirals today. The Asikkala, Finland native was on emergency recall to Tampa, backing up Mike Smith for last night's game against the Colorado Avalanche, due to a minor injury to Lightning netminder Olaf Kolzig. Ramo has appeared in one game this season for the Lightning, stopping 15 of 17 shots in relief on November 23 against New Jersey. Ramo has also appeared in 22 games for the Admirals this season posting a 6-11-4 record with a 3.71 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage. He ranks among the top five goaltenders in the American Hockey League in games played, minutes and shots faced.

The St. Petersburg Times is also reporting that the Lightning placed forward Jussi Jokinen on waivers at noon today. The Kalajoki, Finland native was the subject of numerous trade rumors prior to training camp, but played well for the Bolts in the early season with his versatile two-way play at both center and wing. However, Jokinen has been scoreless in his last 15 games and the return of Jeff Halpern from a knee injury suffered last spring coupled with the emerging play of prospect center Paul Szczechura has pushed Jokinen to the fringes of the lineup. Jokinen's future for the holidays will be known by noon on Saturday.